In The News

Barry Striegel, Director of Youth Entrepreneurship Education at UND's Center for Innovation, was awarded a $3,000 Elevator Grant from the Coleman Foundation of Chicago at the 26th Annual Entrepreneurship Education Forum held in Austin, Texas, November 7 - 11, 2008. Prior to the Forum, each winner submitted a three-page proposal for an entrepreneurial project that would develop skills for self-employment among students. Those finalists selected to compete were given three minutes to present their proposals and then questioned by a panel of entrepreneurs and educators.

Grant funds will provide micro loans to University and Community College undergraduates majoring in Entrepreneurship, Education or Economics who will contract to provide food services to six Mini-Society Summer Camps now established in Grand Forks, Dickinson, Belcourt, Parshall, New Town and Ft. Yates. These start-up catering businesses will be required to repay the loans, plus a 5% fee, in order to sustain and grow the original Coleman investment.

The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education is a national membership organization that provides leadership in support of entrepreneurship education as a lifelong learning process. The Forum brings together over 300 educators who share program ideas and build networks for enhancing the implementation of entrepreneurship education. The Coleman Foundation funds unique education institutions with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship education and awareness.

The Center for Innovation helps entrepreneurs, students and researchers launch new technologies, products and ventures, develop business and marketing plans, access talent of universities and secure venture financing. It is a division of the UND College of Business and Public Administration.